David Wilcox and the Spoons perform at Brantford’s Canada Day event

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is preparing for another unforgettable Canada Day event filled with an exciting lineup of activities and live entertainment on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex. Canadian legends David Wilcox and the Spoons will be performing their hit music on the Main Stage presented by OLG followed by a spectacular firework display at 10 p.m.

“As we prepare to celebrate Canada’s 157^th birthday, I am pleased to invite families and friends to join us for a memorable Canada Day event that is sure to create lasting memories,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “This year’s festivities promise to be a vibrant display of our community spirit, with activities and entertainment that cater to all ages and interests."

The all-day family-friendly event includes an exciting variety of free live music and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees can purchase mouth-watering eats from local food trucks, check-out marketplace vendors, and purchase tickets to enjoy thrilling midway rides and much more.

“We are thrilled to present a spectacular lineup of entertainment and activities for Brantford’s Canada Day,” says Dave Carrol, Brantford Canada Day Committee Chair. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that there’s something for everyone, from live music to family-friendly fun and fireworks. I look forward to seeing our community come together to reflect on what makes our country and Brantford so special.”

David Wilcox is a Canadian music legend, a master guitar player, singer and songwriter with multiple gold and platinum albums. He is famous for writing and performing songs including; Do the Bearcat, Layin’ Pipe, Riverboat Fantasy and That Hypnotizin’ Boogie that was used in the hit film Cocktail. He’s played music at backyard barbecues and at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival alongside Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones. Wilcox is famous for his blend of rock, blues, country and ragtime sounds.

The Spoons, formed in 1980 and led by Gordon Deppe and Sandy Horne, became synonymous with 80’s pop and new wave, producing hits like Nova Heart and Romantic Traffic. Their album Arias & Symphonies was hailed as one of the 20 most influential albums of the 80’s, while Nova Heart was listed in Bob Mersereau’s Top 100 Canadian Singles. Collaborations with Daniel Lanois and John Punter cemented their presence in the new wave scene. They shared stages with icons The Police, and Culture Club, gaining exposure on platforms like MuchMusic. Talkback, produced by Nile Rodgers, continued their radio success, solidifying their global fan base.

Beginning at 12 p.m., enjoy a diverse lineup of live music, presented by the Bulldogs Foundation and Thrive Group that features talented local and regional artists; Nosey Neighbour, Jack Sith, Tyler Wilson Band, and Jace Martin and the Pace and Queens Court. On the Main Stage, presented by OLG, music enthusiasts are sure to enjoy performances from Canadian music legends, The Spoons at 6:30 p.m. and David Wilcox performing at 8 p.m.

Be sure to experience the Canada Cup wrestling action with Independent Pro Wrestling (IPW) shows taking place at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. offering action-packed entertainment for wrestling fans of all ages.

Families can explore the Young Canadians area that opens at 12 p.m. featuring exciting interactive displays, activities, and entertainment such as the Fun at the Fair Dance Party with Poppy from Trolls, story time with Brantford’s Deputy Fire Chief Scott Pipe and PAW Patrol’s Marshall, character meet and greets with PAW Patrol’s Marshall and Poppy, captivating performances by Rumple and friends, and the Debra Brown and Circus friends show. In addition, pony rides will be available for $10 per person, per ride.

Albion Amusements presents the KidZone Carnival and midway that will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. providing plenty of fun and excitement for all ages. Ride tickets and ride-all-day wristbands can be purchased on-site or in advance online. Ride-All-Day Bracelets can be purchased online at a special presale rate of only $35 each until June 30, 2024 at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay under the ‘Activities’ tab.

Support local at the Canada Day marketplace and enjoy delicious culinary delights from food vendors on-site. The evening closes with the not-to-be-missed amazing fireworks display at 10 p.m. The full schedule of events, including the entertainment lineup, is available at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay.

A complimentary shuttle service is available to help attendees get to and from Lions Parks Steve Brown Sports Complex on July 1. Attendees are encouraged to ride the free shuttle offered by Brantford Transit. On-Site parking is also available, single-entry parking for $10 per vehicle in support of the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise Club and the valuable local charitable organizations they support Brantford Lift will also offer free transportation, registration is required. Accessible seating is available at the front of the Main Stage. All transportation details, including a list of pick-up and drop-off locations, are available at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay.

The Canada Day Green Team and the City of Brantford is committed to divert 75 per cent of the waste generated at this year's event. Attendees are asked to bring a reusable water bottle with them to the event. The City of Brantford Quench Buggy will be onsite for free water refills presented by Healthy Kids Brantford.

Learn more at Brantford.ca/CanadaDay and get social with us by using the hashtag #BrantfordCanadaDay. Updates can also be found on the City’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Volunteer opportunities

There are a number of ways for the public to get involved in Canada Day. The City is currently seeking volunteers to assist with the event. Volunteer opportunities include set-up and take-down, parking attendant (must be ages 18 or over), clean-up, and other duties as assigned for various events. Volunteers will also receive a keepsake t-shirt. Highschool community hours will apply were applicable.

Applications are available at Brantford.ca/CanadaDayVolunteer and will be accepted until Wednesday, June 21, 2024.

Sponsorship opportunities

Brantford’s Canada Day event attracts an estimated 20,000 visitors each year! Learn how your company or brand can be associated with a variety of memorable activities and events from live music, Young Canadians attractions, fireworks and more.

Applications are available at Brantford.ca/CanadaDaySponsors.

Thank you to Brantford’s Canada Day sponsors

The Brantford’s Canada Day event live music is sponsored by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the Bulldogs Foundation and Thrive Group. Additional event sponsors include; Co-Operator-McMillian Insurance, Sonoco and Tim Hortons.

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Media Contacts:

Sharon Sayles | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-757-2840 | ssayles@brantford.ca